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Multiple Sclerosis
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Posted 11/28/2007 10:31 PM (GMT -5)
My cousin is 52 and is has been diagnosed with MS. Her dr. is suggesting she begin Copaxone. She has asked for my help with the decision. I have done extensive research online and am asking for your input. I have found the members on this site very helpful when I needed someone to talk with while battling lupus. Any help you can offer is appreciated. She has to make a decision by Dec 3
Posted 11/28/2007 10:52 PM (GMT -5)

Hey Steph,

What do you want to know???  I have been on it for a little over a year.  It is not for everyone but usually you won't know that without trying it.  I know that in rare cases people can be allegic to it and then it won't do as a progression therapy.  But there are many of us that are on it with good success. 

I have no side effects from it aside from some temporary bumps.  It is not painful for me and according to my MRIs it is slowing this down. 

I am really sorry to hear that your cousin was diagnosed with MS. Tell her to not lose heart.  A positive outlook and attitude is half the battle.  If you or she would like to e-mail me, feel free.  I wish her the best of luck.  Keep us posted to her progress.

Love and prayers,

 

Posted 11/29/2007 9:43 PM (GMT -5)
Gretchen thanks for your encouragement and for sharing your experience. I'm glad to hear that you are tolerating this medicine so well. I have to share my findings with my cousin this evening. It's good to have a balanced view. There are some who have had very adverse reactions and also those who are coping well and have experienced great results. I think one of her biggest concerns was if she starts the med and doesn't like the effects, can she come off of it? I have read from others that they have successfully stopped the medication...so... I feel that it's important for me to take my personal views out of the equation and present her with the facts only. I will support her in whichever decision she makes. Thank you again - I will keep you posted God Bless
Posted 11/30/2007 10:41 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Steph,

 

    You are doing your friend a great service by helping her gain information to make the best decision for her.  Copaxone has been a great medication for my husband, 7 years now hes been on it with almost no problems at all.  Statistically it is very tolerable with few side effects and unlike the interferons theres not a problem with depression or flu like symptoms.  The only problem my husband has ever had has been a post injection reaction which involved some flushing and chest tightness and that dissipates in about 15 minutes.  He's only had that reaction maybe 3 times in 7 years though. 

 

    As Gretchen said, she's not going to know how she tolerates it until she tries it.  However, the nice thing about the MS meds is that you can switch if there is a problem with effectiveness or tolerance.  Typically, they like to keep a patient on a med for at least 9 months to a year to judge if its working or not and she might expect a repeat MRI at that time. 

 

    Let us know how things go for her, and if you have any more questions we'll be happy to assist.

 

Kimber

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